HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 22

 

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may 

rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, 

neither laboured in vain.

 
That is the gospel.
 
It reveals life in the promise, and in the person and work of Christ.
 
It presents life as God’s free gift to the condemned and guilty.
 
It is employed to produce life through the power of the Holy Ghost.
 
The life which it reveals, presents, and produces, stands in the favour of God

  —in union to the person of Christ

  —in the possession of the Spirit

  —in the fellowship with the fountain of life

  —in freedom from all condemnation, and in a title to eternal glory.
 
This gospel is entrusted to us, it is entrusted to us for others, 

and we are to hold it forth as a light in a dark place

  —as food provided for hungry sinners

  —as a pardon for condemned criminals

  —and as a rule for quickened souls.
 
It is to be held forth in the public ministry, 

  by a holy conversation, and 

   by every possible means.
 
Beloved, let us view the gospel as “the word of life.”
 
Let us ask ourselves, are we holding forth as we should?
 
Let us hold forth this word of life

 by speaking, 

  by writing, 

   by purchasing and distributing little works 

    which have been printed for the purpose, and 

     by assisting those who have consecrated their time 

       and talents to the work.
 

Come, let us with a grateful heart,

In the bless’d labour share a part;

Our prayers and offerings gladly bring,

To aid the triumph of our King.

 
James Smith